JACKSON, Wyo. — For 45 years, Old West Days has marked the start of summer and the last big celebration for locals before the tourist season kicks in. It’s when locals finally shake off winter, reconnect with friends and neighbors, and lean into everything we love about Jackson Hole!
This year, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is offering more ways than ever for locals to put their stamp on Old West Days:
Old West Film Fest: vote for the best!
The Old West Film Fest is a new event, and we need help to select the films that are featured. Use this link to vote for your favorite Western films. The top three vote getters will be shown at MovieWorks Cinema, May 18, 19, and 20. Voting is active until April 30th.
There’s a bonus, too: anyone who votes will receive 15% off tickets to the screenings at MovieWorks. It’s a small incentive with a big payoff—especially for those who appreciate a good classic on the big screen.
Bring the Heat to the High Noon Chili Cook-off
If there’s one event that captures the friendly competitiveness of Jackson Hole, it’s the High Noon Chili Cook-off on May 17.
This isn’t just about tasting—it’s about bragging rights. Locals still have time to enter their own recipes and compete for the title of “Best Chili in the West,” with both professional and amateur categories open. Whether it’s a long-perfected family recipe or a bold new idea, local chefs are the heart of this culinary competition.
Spots are limited and filling quickly, making this one of the last calls for aspiring chili champions to step forward. Click here to register your chili. For those who prefer to judge rather than cook, tickets are available for $30 (including taxes and fees), offering a chance to sample a wide range of entries and be part of the lively, community-driven atmosphere.
Raise a Glass (and maybe a Hairy Mug) at Old West Brewfest
The Old West Brewfest continues to grow as a festival favorite, bringing together craft beer, local spirit, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate responsibly.
This year’s event once again features the crowd-pleasing “Best Beard” contest—a nod to Western style that’s equal parts fun and fiercely competitive. Expect everything from well-groomed classics to creatively wild entries. Show off your hairy mug, and you might win “Best Beard in Jackson Hole.”
Tickets for Brewfest are $50, and for those looking for a deal, a bundled ticket with the Chili Cook-off offers a $10 savings. It’s an easy way to experience two of the festival’s most social events while supporting the broader Old West Days lineup.
Don’t Forget the Parade
For many, the Best of the West Parade is the heart of Old West Days—a moment when the entire community comes together in a shared celebration of heritage, creativity, and local pride.
There’s still time to register to participate, whether as a business, organization, or group of friends looking to contribute something memorable to the route. Of course, no Old West Days would be complete without live music on the Town Square. The Million Dollar Music Fest returns on May 24, headlined by Hudson Westbrook, Avery Anna, and Neal McCoy. It’s completely free for the community to enjoy. It’s one of those nights where locals and visitors come together, filling the square with energy that feels uniquely Jackson Hole. For those looking to elevate the experience, VIP tickets go on sale April 29.
This is OUR Festival!
At its core, Old West Days is successful because locals show up—not just as attendees, but as contributors. From voting on films to entering competitions and filling the streets for signature events, each action helps shape the festival’s character.
It’s that sense of ownership that keeps Old West Days feeling authentic year after year. For more information, visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce website, or call 307-733-3316.
